The small and light detector can be applied externally on any helmet, or is integrated in some models of Alpina and Uvex. The systems present in the Kortal helmet by Poc and on the new Dainese mountain bike helmets Line 01 and 03 available on the market from November are different in terms of functions.
In both, integrated into the shell, there are two safety systems that can help rescuers. The first is the Recco reflector, already widely used in skiing and mountaineering, which allows it to be located when unconscious and dispersed over large areas, especially useful when in the mountains. The second is the TwiceMe chip, an NFC sensor which, if scanned in the event of a serious accident, can help the work of medical and rescue personnel, thanks to a digital identity card that contains all the personal and health information of the injured cyclist. , such as blood type and any drug allergies. Both sensors need tools for rescuers to read, but could become a safety standard in the future.
Smartphone apps
During bike rides, especially off-road, the phone can be a valid ally in an emergency and some apps take full advantage of its potential, provided that you have a data connection always available. The GeoResQ app is one of these with a service entirely managed by the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (Cnsas), promoted and also used by the CAI, developed to increase the safety of excursions and for a quick forwarding of requests for help in case of emergency.
There are three main functions of GeoResQ: “Alarm”, which allows the immediate sending of the request for help and the position to the GeoResQ operating center 24 hours a day, which, once contacted with the requesting help, will try to verify the type of accident and the possible scenarios for the rescue by forwarding the request to the competent authorities.
In addition to this functionality, the “Position” function is also available, a service that geolocates the hiker who can send his / her location at any time, accompanied by a cartographic reference.